Their Minimony Day: Westwood, NJ
Marisa and Mike’s minimony day was simply perfect, and a beautiful celebration of their love. Although they had to postpone their larger wedding twice this year, they still made it official and became husband and wife. Marisa wrote the most beautiful words that gave me CHILLS when I read them. I think she says it all best, so I’m sharing what she wrote below:
“This year we quickly learned it wasn’t about the dress, the cake, the flowers, the venue, or the ring. It was about us, our love and becoming one. We’ve started this journey in an unexpected way, but it allowed us to learn many lessons, lessons that aren’t realized for most until further into their marriage. For that we are filled with gratitude and know that the lessons learned during this year of 2020 will be lessons that’ll guide us through our journey and for that we are blessed.
I met Michael when I was 15 years old, we were babies. It’s crazy to look back and see the growth, the friendship, the love that has filled every fiber of my being for this man. It was so special to visit and document all of the monumental places of our story. Where we met, where we had our first kiss and to get married where he proposed. I will hold these photos so close to my heart, forever. It wasn’t always easy but it was always him, Michael always had my heart, from the moment we met.
This day has always been a dream of mine, although it wasn’t what we envisioned, it still fell into place. It was like this day was written in the stars all along. Because of COVID they weren’t having ceremonies at the town hall, instead at the gazebo, where Michael asked me to be his wife. When I heard that’s where it would be, I gasped, it was so special to us. So many memories here, so many firsts, so many stories to tell our kids one day. It was only right it was the place we became one. It just made sense. After 9 years together and having to postpone our wedding twice this year, it’s a dream come true to be able to finally call this man my husband. My heart, my husband, a love so deep I get to marry you twice.
We can’t wait to celebrate and exchange vows in front of all of our family and friends next year, 7.30.2021 it will be one hell of a party. WE ARE FINALLY MR&MRS. BENT.”
Their Love Story
Marisa & Mike met in high school, and he was actually Marisa’s first kiss. They remained best friends but didn’t start officially dating until 2011. Nine years later, they’re finally married!!!
You’ve gotta hear about their proposal. Where there ceremony ended up being is exactly where Mike proposed, which made everything extra special for their minimony day. Marisa told me, “So Michael and I both grew up in Westwood, NJ being that we were best friends in high school there are so many memories between the two of us right in the very town. I come from a very big Italian family and he knows how much my friends and family mean to me. On December 22nd while I thought I was going to an early Christmas dinner with some friends in Westwood, we stopped in the center of Town along the way and as I looked up I saw balloons that said “will you marry me” under the gazebo. As we walked closer I noticed my family holding each balloon up. I was absolutely SHOCKED. And it was so special to me that all of our friends and family members were present.” It honestly seems like fate that that’s exactly where they promised forever to each other.
When I asked Marisa and Mike to share with me one thing they love about each other, Marisa said she loves, “how thoughtful he is. Michael has to be the most thoughtful person I know. I love how he always try’s hard in everything he does. Especially with us. He always tries hard to grow and evolve and I love that he brings that out in me.” Mike said, “what I love most about Marisa is her heart. We are best friends and I love that I can be my true and complete self around her.”
To The Newlyweds
CONGRATULATIONS Marisa & Mike!!! I am so happy for you two and am so grateful to have captured your marriage day! It was unbelievably special and truly a silver lining to these crazy times. I can’t wait to celebrate with you big time next year, but for now, I’m so happy you two are officially husband and wife!! Sending you all my love and the biggest hug! xoxo
Vendors
Hair & Makeup | Muah Makeup Westwood – Ashlee K.
Bridal Jumpsuit | Tangerine Rentals – Patsy Jumpsuit
Bouquet | Beautiful Buds
Rings | La Mirage Jewelers
Wifey Jacket | Happily Ever Borrowed
Bride’s Shoes | Jimmy Choo
Groom’s Suit | Macy’s – Hugo Boss
[…] once, but TWICE. They decided to still get married last year and had the most beautiful intimate minimony to make it official. Exactly one year later, they finally got to have their big wedding day and […]